Belfast to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Wed, Apr 15
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Belfast to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Apr 15

Cheapest price

$75

Average price

$75

Fastest journey

10 h 40 m

Average duration

10 h 40 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Belfast to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressUL923 · NX180
    10:20 AM10h40
    Belfast, Grand Central Station
    9:00 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $751One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare flight and bus for Belfast to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Belfast to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $73.

Distance: 143 miles (231 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight

$76

Average price

$67

Average price

Cheapest

7h 40m

Average total duration

7h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Belfast to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:20AM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
10h40
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$75

Live departures

Belfast to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressUL923 · NX180
Delayed
5:30 PM 9:20 AMBelfast, Grand Central Station
10h40
8:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Belfast to Edinburgh by flight or bus

Compare flight and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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Why should you book Belfast to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Belfast to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Belfast to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Belfast to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Belfast to Edinburgh run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€58) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 10:20. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 10h 40m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23 (€19)
Distance
143 miles (231 km)
Average bus duration
7h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$73 (€58)
Buses per day
1
Fastest bus
10h 40m
First bus
6:30 AM
Last bus
10:20 AM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23 (€19)

Bus providers: National Express from Belfast to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Belfast to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $23 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 40m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€58)
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Belfast to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Belfast to Edinburgh can start from as little as $73 (€58) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Belfast to Edinburgh is $76 (€61) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Belfast to Edinburgh is 10h 40m to travel the 143 miles (231 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Belfast to Edinburgh leaves at 6:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Belfast to Edinburgh leaves at 10:20 AM.
There are 1 buses a day from Belfast to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Belfast to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Belfast and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Belfast , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Belfast, Grand Central Station, Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your journey in bus stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Belfast, Europa Buscentre, which is located around 1 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Belfast is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Belfast to Edinburgh is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Belfast and Edinburgh including taking a flight and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
  • Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
  • Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
  • The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
  • Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
  • The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
  • Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
  • Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
  • Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Belfast nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Belfast to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Belfast to Edinburgh

Belfast
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Belfast is Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street for your trip from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street
information

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